Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Insisting a child must be taught traditional, scope-and-sequence arithmetic to learn mathematics is like saying one must learn classical notes and scales before one can learn music. You might get there, but you miss out on the inspiration of beautiful music created by the masters along the way. We need not master all the "basics" before being able to experience the appreciation that carries us through the hard work of learning. Think of applying living math principles as developing a "mathematical ear" while working toward the mastery of basic theory.

Dec. 2nd at 10am.
Let's get together and create holiday, winter inspired crafts....or whatever tickles your fancy. You are also welcome to just come by, hang out and play! Please email us for the address if you would like to join in.

Our next meet-up will be at Historic Fort Langley on Monday, October 21st. We will meet at 10am and spend some time exploring the Fort. Admission is $4 for kids and $6.50 for adults. Kids under 6 are free. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

We will be hosting some meet ups for those of you interested in getting to know us and becoming involved with the Fraser Valley Free School.

Monday, September 23rd: Silverdale Wetlands @ 10am.
We will walk along the path and look for frogs! Meet us at the trail head and bring a small container or net if you would like to catch and observe the frogs. Bring a lunch if you would like to join us for a picnic after.
Here is the facebook page with a link to a map:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silverdale-Creek-Wetlands/166482033409350

Tuesday, October 1st: City Blends, Mission @ 7pm. 32423 Lougheed Hwy.
This will be an adult discussion evening. A great opportunity to discuss the idea of a free democratic school and share ideas.
If you are planning to attend please watch the Windsor House School 16 min. documentary to familiarize yourself with the concept.http://windsorhouseschool.org/what-really-matters/

Thursday, 25 July 2013

Hey Everyone,
We are excited to be at the Abbotsford and Mission Farmers Markets this summer. Stop by and see us if you would like to learn more about our vision. We will also have a craft and face painting for the kiddos!

Monday, 27 May 2013

Children are curious and are natural learners. They question, they explore. They often do things very differently than adults and we sometimes find it difficult to get out of their way. Neil suggests we do more 'getting out of their way' if we want our children to be scientifically literate.

Saturday, 27 April 2013

It seems spring has arrived! We took advantage of a warm spell to explore Rolley Lake as our first school outing. So far our group has eight kids from birth to age six. We built sandcastles on the beach, waded near the shore, battled with cardboard swords on the grass, threw rocks, hiked on the trails and drank fresh spring water from the creek. We live in a beautiful place!

Friday, 26 April 2013

Astra leads us through her life, raised by independent-thinking parents, she was unschooled until the age of 13. Join the filmmaker as she shares her personal experiences of growing up home-schooled without a curriculum or schedule, and how it has shaped her educational philosophy and development as an artist.

Monday, 22 April 2013

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Windsor House, a democratic free school in North Vancouver. We researched democratic schools and had some idea of what we would see but the reality was more eye opening and exciting than we expected. On the surface it seemed like a typical public school, a field outside, a playground, a portable building, a reception office. Hallways and classrooms were arranged like a typical school but the energy and feeling was anything but typical. Small groups gathered in the hallways, children played on the playground, some were at computers, some making art. In the kitchen children were eating and making themselves simple snacks. It was evident immediately that students did what they wanted and were interested and engaged in whatever they were doing.

We were fortunate enough to meet and be toured around by Helen, the founder, who began the school in 1971. Although the school has changed locations over the years, the core principles have stuck. Their website states that "the goal of Windsor House is to create a learning environment where young people develop the skills to be self-motivated and self-directed in their learning and in their lives, and where they have the opportunity to deeply engage with what they are passionate about".

Although the basic philosophy of Windsor House has continued, Helen made it very clear that the school often looks quite different from year to year and even month to month. With every new influx of students the ideas, plans, and interests evolve and change. Since decisions are made through a democratic process, anyone (no matter their age) may bring their ideas to the group and gain support. It is then voted on by each person present. In this way the school and the way it functions is truly a reflection of the people in it.

We saw classrooms with math equations on the boards, a wood shop with kids making mini skate ramps, a library with kids quietly working and a large room with kids building giant structures using blocks and foam. In most cases a teacher was present to help and facilitate the goings on but it was evident that no one was being forced to do anything. We spoke to one young adult who spent her entire education at Windsor House. It was inspiring to hear the positive impact it had on her life.

We went away feeling encouraged, hopeful and excited to begin the journey of growing a school that enables more children, teachers and parents to experience this type of schooling.